Upcoming events at National Veterans Memorial and Museum

The National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM), located in Downtown Columbus, honors all of our veterans from all branches and all eras.

Guests experience a narrative journey of individual stories and experiences of veterans through photos, letters and personal effects, multi-media presentations, and interactive exhibits. 

The four foundational pillars aim to Honor, Connect, Inspire, and Educate. Guided Museum Tours are available daily at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Read below for upcoming exhibits, events, and museum discounts.

photo: National Veterans Museum and Memorial

Special exhibits at NVMM

IDENTITY: EXPLORING VETERAN NARRATIVES THROUGH ART + MUSIC

October 29, 2022 – March 13, 2023
Opening night event, Friday, October 28 at 6 pm

IDENTITY introduces us to Veterans who have found healing and connection through art and music.

Many Veterans represented in this exhibition are working through Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or Post-traumatic Stress (PTS) and have found the arts positively impact their healing and increase their sense of connection to the world around them. Through CreatiVets programming, these Veterans learn to express complex events and emotions through the creative processes of drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture and songwriting.

IDENTITY will encourage you to think about how Veterans reclaim their past, remember their experiences, and interpret them now through art + music.

Special events at National Veterans Memorial and Museum 

Photo courtesy: National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Jiu Jitsu Seminar with Josh Simon

Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 9 a.m. | Free

Start off your 2023 with us and guest instructor Josh Simon at our first Jiu Jitsu Seminar of the year. Simon is a Third Degree Black Belt from the Gracie Ohio training center. Registration required.

Photography Workshop with Jason Myers

February 10, 2023 from 10 am – 3 pm.

Award-winning photographer Jason Myers will lead an exclusive Photography Workshop focused on how to capture emotion and draw curiosity out of your audience through the eye of a camera lens. This hands-on experience will cover topics like the fundamentals of photography, mediums, photography as a career and more! 

Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite camera or photos, but they are not required to get the most out of this class.

This workshop is free and for Veterans only. Please be prepared to show your ID at check-in. Lunch is provided for participants. Register here.

Sensory Saturday at National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Saturday, February 18, 2023

This sensory friendly museum experience offers enhanced sensory activities all day long including: reduced volume throughout the exhibit area, touch tours, hands-on educational activities, and more.

Sensory Bags available at the welcome desk upon request. The museum is a KultureCity certified inclusive institution. Details here.

President’s Day at NVMM

Monday, February 20

Enjoy $1 admission to visit the museum on President’s Day from 10 am – 5 pm. Learn more about their unique stories and discover the experiences of our Veteran Presidents when you visit.

hands-on activities for visitors of all ages including a presidential scavenger hunt, coloring pages, and presidential trivia in the Great Hall at 12:00, 1:00, and 2:00 p.m. (winners receive prizes from our gift shop!).

Welcome Home Ceremony – National Vietnam War Veterans Day

March 29, 2023 at 10 am.

Commemorate National Vietnam War Veterans Day with a free day at the Museum and a remarkable Welcome Home Ceremony, live from our Great Hall.

Guest speaker J. Charles Plumb, Captain, U.S. Navy Retired, Vietnam Veteran will share his inspiring story of courage as a prisoner of war and his continued service. Details here.

Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony

May 29, 2022 

Mark Memorial Day with our annual Remembrance Ceremony starting at 10 a.m. on the National Veterans Memorial and Museum rooftop. Details coming this spring.

Patriot Day Ceremony

September 11, 2023. The Museum will commemorate the Anniversary of September 11, 2001, during the Patriot Day Ceremony. 

Details will be released closer to the event.

Veterans Day Ceremony and Free Admission

November 11, 2023
Honor and celebrate the selfless service of millions of Veterans who have defended our freedoms and way of life during our annual Veterans Day Ceremony. Details will be released closer to the event.

Thanks to sponsors, museum admission is free to all on Veterans Day.

Rally Point at NVMM

Free, monthly event on the first Saturday of most month dedicated to connecting and educating Veterans, Veterans’ families, and those who wish to support Veterans. Check here for upcoming events.

To learn more, or to register for any of these event, sign up on the Events Calendar. 

Admission for National Veterans Memorial and Museum 

Free admission for U.S. military Veterans, active-duty military, and Gold Star families.

Adults (18-64) = $17
Senior (65+) = $15
College student with ID = $12
Youth (5-17)=$10
Children under 5 = Free

The Memorial Grove, a place of respectful reflection, is free and open from dawn to dusk

Membership starts at just $35/yr for one person

Parking is $5-$10, but free for Veteran, Active-Duty, Gold Star Families.

Free admission with Pickerington Experience Pass

Get free admission with the Pickerington Experience Pass, available for in-person checkout at all branches of the Pickerington Public Library.

Pickerington Experience Passes allow general admission for up to 2 adults and 5 children and be redeemed one time within two days of checkout. Even parking is free! Bring your parking ticket inside to the Welcome Desk for validation! Holds may be placed using a Pickerington Public Library card ONLY. 

Columbus Member Advantage Program

If you’re a member of select Central Ohio attractions, you can save $3 on general admission to NVMM and other attractions through the Columbus Member Advantage program.

No coupon is necessary. Simply show your valid participating membership card when you visit! Limited to 4 discounts per membership per day; can’t be combined with other discounts.  

Member Advantage partners for 2023 include:

• Columbus Museum of Art and Pizzuti Collection (see our article)
• Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (see our article)
• Dawes Arboretum (see our article)
• Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (see our article)
• LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Columbus (see our article)
• National Veterans Memorial and Museum (see our article)
• Ohio History Center & Ohio Village (see our article)
• Wexner Center for the Arts (see our article)
• COSI (advanced tickets required)
• The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art and Technology (also qualifies for ASTC reciprocal admission) 

Museum Hours

Currently open Wednesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except special events or holidays.

Special Holiday Hours: OPEN

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Presidents Day ($1 admission)
• Memorial Day (free admission)
• July 4
• Veterans Day

Holidays CLOSED

• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• New Year’s Day
• Easter Sunday
• Labor Day

National Veterans Memorial and Museum 
300 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 
(614) 362-2800 
website | Facebook

Past events at NVMM; tba for 2023

Constitution Day: tba

Have you ever memorized the preamble to the U.S. Constitution? Your knowledge will pay off if you visit us on Constitution Day! Secure a $10 ticket by reciting the preamble to the U.S. Constitution at our Welcome Desk. Constitution Day also includes educational activities for the whole family and a free gift!

World Tourism Weekend: tba

Join us as we celebrate World Tourism Weekend and receive $5 admission to the National Veterans Memorial and Museum!

Hispanic Heritage Month

TBA for 2022. NVMM is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by offering guided tours by Spanish-speaking tour guides. 

photo courtesy of National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Military Brats Day: Saturday, April 30, 2022

Calling all Military Brats! Identify yourself as a “Military Brat” at the Welcome Desk and receive free admission to the museum.

Memorial Day Virtual Run, Walk, Ruck and Roll 
May 13 – May 30 all-day

Join supporters across the nation for the 3rd annual National Veterans Memorial and Museum Virtual Run, Walk, Ruck and Roll to honor and remember those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Memorial Weekend at NVMM

Free admission from Saturday, May 28 – Monday, May 30. Donations accepted to pay it forward to honor Veterans, Gold Star Families and ensure future accessible programming for all.

Veterans Jiu Jistu Seminar
May 28 at 8 am

Learn the gentle art of Jiu Jitsu from two accomplished BJJ blackbelts: U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Joey Zente, founder of Veterans Jiu Jitsu in Austin, Texas, and U.S. Navy Veteran John Cofer, from Alliance Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Lakewood, Washington. Join us in honoring those who died in service to our country this Memorial Day weekend in this special class. Free; registration required.

Rooftop CrossFit Hero Workout
May 28 at 10 am

Clintonville CrossFit will lead us in the CrossFit Hero Workout, “Loredo,” which honors Staff Sergeant Edwardo Loredo, U.S. Army, who was killed in action while fighting in Afghanistan on June 24, 2010. Registration required.

The National Ride for Freedom
May 28 at 10 am

Rev up your engines for the National Ride for Freedom! The vibrations from this event are expected to be felt all over town as hundreds of motorcycles converge at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. All motorcyclists are welcome to take part in this commemorative ride. Live music, food and beverages will be available starting at 11:30 a.m.

Ride starting point: Farrow North Harley-Davidson, 7754 E, OH-37, Sunbury. Registration is $20.

Gold Star Family Candlelight Vigil 
May 29 at 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Memorial Day is about honoring our service members who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. We’re holding a Gold Star Family Candlelight Vigil on Sunday, May 29 to honor families who have lost a loved one in service to our country. The vigil procession will begin on the museum rooftop and travel down to the Soldiers Cross in Memorial Grove. Details here.

Balanced Warrior Yoga: Sundays in July at 9 am

Beginning on July 17, you can relieve stress, build resilience and maintain optimal fitness with a Yoga program. Certified instructor Jennifer Ballou will lead each class through basic poses to advanced movements to help you find your inner peace of body and mind.

This class welcomes all, regardless of yoga experience or level of fitness. Veterans and civilians alike are invited to participate and connect.

Classes are free, but registration is required.

Wellness Weekend at NVMM

August 5-7, 2022

“Scars and Stripes” with Nick Palmisciano: Friday, August 5 at 4 pm
Please join us on August 5 as we kick off Wellness Weekend with Nick Palmisciano, U.S. Army Veteran and co-author of “Scars and Stripes: An Unapologetically American Story of Fighting the Taliban, UFC Warriors, and Myself.” Palmisciano will discuss the book and initiatives he started to help Veterans (Ranger Up), Afghan refugees (Save Our Allies), “Ranger 15” movie and the importance of resilience and wellness programs in the Veteran community.

This event brings together the original inspiration for Wellness Weekend, the Veterans and creators of The Twenty-Year War: Our Next Greatest Generation. At 4 p.m., guests will enjoy free exhibition tours by the creators themselves: Tom Amenta and Dan Blakely (both U.S. Army Ranger Veterans) and photographer and producer, Beau Simmons.

Tickets are required.

Jiu Jitsu Seminar: Saturday, August 6 at 9 am

The NVMM is honored to offer a free jiu-jitsu seminar with Robin Geisler, 5th degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and instructor at GracieOhio Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Columbus, Ohio. He will share the mat with Lt. General Michael Ferriter, U.S. Army (Retired), NVMM president and CEO. Together, they will take participants through the jiu-jitsu fundamentals of Teamwork, Respect and Character as well as how it can help conquer the challenges participants face each day.

We believe in having a welcoming and safe learning environment for all levels of experience. Beginners to advanced individuals are welcome.

This seminar is free, but registration is required.

Purple Heart 5K Run: Saturday, August 6 at 7:30 pm

In recognition of Purple Heart Day on Sunday, August 7, we are hosting The Buckeye Purple Heart Foundation’s Annual 5K Run/Walk. This special day honors all of our nation’s brave servicemen and women who were killed or wounded in action. With a unique start time of 7:30 p.m., participants will experience the trail and skyline of Columbus lit up in purple. All participants will receive a T-shirt and commemorative coin.

Yoga with Phil Sussman, American Yogi: Sunday, August 7 at 10 am

Mindful movement with U.S. Army Veteran Phil Sussman, co-founder of American Yogi. He will lead slow, mindful, vinyasa-style class for all levels and abilities with a strong focus on breath and finding calm within. Phil’s goal is to make yoga more accessible and help all men and women find a vehicle to peace. Class is limited to 40 participants, and a yoga mat is required.

Young at Heart Day

Sunday, August 21, 2022. Join us for “Young at Heart” day! Guests aged 65+ can visit the museum for just $2!

Image: National Veterans Museum and Memorial

VetOHIOExpo 2022

September 8, 2022. The National Veterans Memorial and Museum is excited to partner with Think Veterans First to host the 2nd annual VetOHIOExpo at the Museum. Details here

Pets and Vets Week

October 19-22, 2022 from 11 am – 3 pm daily
From service animals to household companions, animals are shown to reduce stress and positively impact overall health in humans. 

This free community event is open to the public and includes adoption opportunities from local shelters and animal welfare organizations. Well-behaved service animals trained to assist visitors with disabilities are always welcome during Museum visits.

If you wish to explore the museum, they are offering a discounted $10 ticket for those who attend the Pets for Vets events. See more details and information about bringing your pet on the website.

National First Responders Day

October 28, 2022
All active and retired first responders get free admission on National First Responders Day. A valid ID must be presented at the door. Details here

photo courtesy of National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Veterans Jiu Jitsu Seminar with Vitor Oliveira

November 12, 2022 at 9 am

Free jiu-jitsu seminar at the Museum during Veterans Day weekend to help celebrate the service of those in our armed forces with our guest instructor, Vitor Oliveria, from the Ronin Training Center.

The practice of jiu-jitsu can provide many benefits for those in the Veteran community and we are excited to recognize the work of Veteran jiu-jitsu students from the local Columbus area. After the seminar, participants are encouraged to stay and watch students be promoted.

We believe in having a welcoming and safe learning environment for all levels of experience. Beginners to advanced individuals are welcome. Details and registration.

Poetry and Open Mic Night

Friday, December 9 beginning at 6:30 pm. Poetry & Open Mic Night in the exhibition gallery. This event is free for both Veterans and civilians to connect over a shared interest in poetry and the written word.

U.S. Army Veteran and author, Amy Sexauer, will lead a live poetry reading and discussion of her debut work of poetry, “Poppies.” Amy will be joined by the founders and editors of the Veteran owned and operated publishing company, Dead Reckoning Collective, who will provide insight into their own works.

Journaling Workshop

Saturday, December 10, from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Journaling Workshop led by Dead Reckoning Collective. This is a one-day, hands-on workshop that is free for Veterans and $25 for non-Veterans.

Comedy Night at the Museum

December 10, 2022 at 7 pm. Comedy Night with All Veterans. Still Serving Their Country. One Joke at a Time.

Thom Tran, Walter Campbell and Jose Barrientos, collectively known as The GIs of Comedy, take the NVMM stage on December 10. This comedic troupe of troops will share their love of country combined with a healthy dose of laughter. Tickets are $25

Martin Luther King Jr. Day – $1 Tickets

Monday, January 16 at 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. The museum welcomes guests on MLK Day for $1 admission, and to be inspired by the courage of those who served their nation.